Boyd County Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Kylie Crooks
Community Grieves the Sudden Passing of a Bright Star on and off the Volleyball Court
BOYD COUNTY, KY — June 2025 .The Boyd County community is grappling with a profound sense of loss following the tragic and untimely passing of Kylie Crooks, a vibrant and gifted young woman whose radiant spirit, athletic talent, and kind heart made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her sudden departure has left family, friends, classmates, teammates, and coaches devastated—and a community united in grief.
Kylie, a standout volleyball player for Boyd County High School, was known not only for her athletic prowess on the court but also for the joy, determination, and warmth she brought to everything she did. Whether it was spiking a game-winning point, cheering on a teammate, or offering a kind word to someone in need, Kylie exuded a light and positivity that made her unforgettable.
Her passing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Boyd County area, where she was admired as both an exceptional student-athlete and a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Social media has been flooded with messages of sorrow and remembrance, with tributes pouring in from across the region.
“She had the heart of a lion and the soul of an angel,” wrote one of her coaches. “Kylie didn’t just play volleyball—she lived it. She gave her all every day, not just for herself, but for her team, her school, and her family.”
Kylie was not just a leader on the court; she was a source of strength and inspiration in the hallways of Boyd County High. Teachers remember her as bright, respectful, and deeply engaged, someone who consistently went above and beyond both academically and personally. Her teammates recall the late-night practices, long bus rides, and pre-game rituals filled with laughter and encouragement. She had an uncanny ability to uplift others even on the hardest of days.
Beyond her talents and accolades, Kylie was deeply compassionate and community-minded. She often volunteered her time with local youth programs and church events, always eager to give back. Friends describe her as loyal, fiercely supportive, and genuine to the core—a person who made you feel like you mattered.
As the news of her passing continues to ripple outward, the Boyd County Board of Education, athletic department, and school administration have extended their deepest condolences to the Crooks family and have offered grief counseling and support services to students and staff coping with this unimaginable loss.
“Kylie represented the very best of us,” said the Boyd County Schools Superintendent. “She was more than a student-athlete. She was a role model, a friend, and a beacon of hope and energy for everyone who met her.”
A candlelight vigil is being planned in Kylie’s honor at the school’s volleyball gym, where teammates, coaches, classmates, and members of the public will gather to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life that, though far too short, was filled with meaning and love. Plans are also underway to retire her jersey number and establish a scholarship in her name to support future female athletes who embody the same spirit Kylie brought to the game and to life.
In this time of mourning, the community has rallied together in support of Kylie’s family, offering prayers, meals, and comfort. While words may feel inadequate in the face of such heartbreak, there is solace in the overwhelming love being shown by those whose lives were touched by hers.
“We may never understand why she was taken from us so soon,” said a family friend, “but we do know that Kylie lived with purpose. She loved deeply, laughed often, and gave everything her all. That’s how she’ll be remembered.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by a local funeral home, with service details to be announced in the coming days. The family has asked for privacy as they process their grief, and encourages the community to honor Kylie’s memory by living with the same kindness, courage, and dedication that defined her.
Kylie Crooks may be gone from this world, but her legacy—of athletic excellence, unwavering friendship, and unstoppable joy—will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Rest in peace, sweet Kylie. You will forever be our champion, our inspiration, and our shining light. 🕊️